By Ambarish Awale,Charlotte Foster,Russell Myers
Copyright dailyrecord
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania are being treated to a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle, hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla during their state visit to the UK. As per tradition when hosting foreign leaders at state banquets, chefs are carefully selected to craft a menu , penned in French as is customary, that mirrors the country of the guests. The full menu for Mr Trump and the other attendees has been unveiled. To start, they will savour Hampshire watercress panna Cotta with parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad. The main dish is organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes, accompanied by a thyme and savoury infused jus. Dessert is a vanilla ice cream bombe with a Kentish raspberry sorbet centre and lightly poached Victoria plums. The wines available include Wiston Estate, Cuvée, 2016; Domaine Bonneau de Martray, Corton-Charlemagne, Grand Cru, 2018; Ridge Vineyards, and Monte Bello, 2000. Sir Winston Churchill’s preferred champagne, Pol Roger, extra cuvee de Reserve, 1998, was also chosen due to the president’s admiration for the wartime prime minister, reports the Mirror . Post-dinner, guests will be served Warre’s 1945 Vintage Port, in honour of Mr Trump being the 45th, and also the 47th, President of the United States. There will also be Hennessy 1912 Cognac Grande Champagne, with the year reflecting the birth of Mr Trump’s mother Mary Anne MacLeod in Scotland. Additionally, there will be Bowmore Queen’s Cask 1980, Islay, available, which was presented to the late Queen Elizabeth in 1980 and bottled for her Golden Jubilee in 2002. Breaking with tradition, a specially crafted cocktail has been devised for the event, dubbed the Transatlantic Whisky Sour. The drink is billed as a UK/US take on the timeless Whisky Sour, combining “blends the smoky depth of Johnnie Walker Black with the bright citrus of marmalade”. The beverage is said to be “crowned with a pecan foam and garnished with a toasted marshmallow set on a star-shaped biscuit, evoking the warmth of a fireside S’more.” A notable distinction between this state visit and other foreign dignitaries being entertained with a banquet is that Trump will not participate in a special banquet custom introduced by King Charles. In recent times, leaders welcomed by the monarch have enjoyed a tailored cocktail crafted to mark their visit to the UK. Tonight’s banquet will feature the alcoholic beverage that acknowledges and celebrates the “special relationship” between Britain and the United States. Nevertheless, as Trump abstains from alcohol, he will decline the drink designed to commemorate his arrival on British soil. “I’ve never had a drink,” the President revealed to Fox News in 2016. His teetotal lifestyle stems from the heartbreaking loss of his elder brother, Fred Jr, who passed away at 42 from alcohol-related complications. “It was a very tough period of time,” Mr Trump revealed during his initial presidential tenure, explaining: “If you don’t start, you’re never going to have a problem. If you do start you might have a problem. And it’s a tough problem to stop.” This evening’s banquet fare stands in sharp contrast to the lavish spread presented during Trump’s 2019 state visit, when the late Queen Elizabeth II played host. During that occasion six years past, guests began with steamed fillet of halibut, accompanied by watercress mousse, asparagus spears and chervil sauce. The main course featured saddle of new season Windsor lamb, accompanied by herb stuffing, spring vegetables and port sauce. The sweet course proved equally indulgent, with Trump savouring strawberry sable paired with lemon verbena cream. During July’s French state visit, which welcomed French president Emmanuel Macron and his spouse Brigitte to Britain, renowned French chef Raymond Blanc crafted the menu alongside the Royal Household, creating both the opening course and final dessert. The bill of fare, penned in French according to state banquet tradition, opened with a medley of delicate summer vegetables from the Gardens of Le Manoir with Sage, Raw Tomato and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing. The following course featured Supreme of Rhug Estate Chicken accompanied by Norfolk Asparagus and Tarragon Cream, with Iced Blackcurrant Parfait served on Blackcurrant-soaked Sponge alongside Elderflower Jelly completing the dessert offering. Buckingham Palace characterised the partnership as embodying “in the spirit of the Entente Cordial”. Following a custom established by the King, a bespoke cocktail was crafted for the event, dubbed L’entente. The drink blends British gin with lemon curd and French pastis, adorned with dried French cornflowers and English roses. Royal family members including the Prince and Princess of Wales and Princess Anne are anticipated to attend this evening’s state banquet.
